Been looking to purchasing another solid classic mech series and wasn't sure which one to look in to and research. This one sounds interesting. I noticed that this sereis was done by the same gentleman that did Gasaraki; if I didn't like Gasaraki which I didn't should I stay away from this one? Also, I can't stand when a serious-toned mech series has silly fan service scenes. I stayed away from Evangelion just because of that. Does Votoms have those moments? Does anyone also know if the series is in stereo or simply mono? I saw the entire boxset for under $95 and it looked good and was thinking about it.

VOTOMS is about as far from fanservice as you can get, it's a gritty war drama that pulls no punches, if Armor Hunter Marrowlink is anything to go by. If I were in your position I'd get it in a heartbeat it's a definite must buy.

From what I have seen of VOTOMS, i.e. Merowlink, Roots of Ambition and Pailsen Files episode 1, the series doesn't even try to put itself in a position that could lead to potential fanservice. Heck, I don't think the Red Shoulder Document had a single woman in it.

Gundamium Alloy wrote:Been looking to purchasing another solid classic mech series and wasn't sure which one to look in to and research. This one sounds interesting. I noticed that this sereis was done by the same gentleman that did Gasaraki; if I didn't like Gasaraki which I didn't should I stay away from this one? Also, I can't stand when a serious-toned mech series has silly fan service scenes. I stayed away from Evangelion just because of that. Does Votoms have those moments? Does anyone also know if the series is in stereo or simply mono? I saw the entire boxset for under $95 and it looked good and was thinking about it.

Although there are some similarities, VOTOMS is quite different from Gasaraki. It's much more...straightforward and easier to follow. As others have said, there's about zero fanservice (aside from naked Fyana in TV ep 1), and there's very few women in the franchise. Anime on DVD's reviews for the remastered box set say it's in 2.0 stereo, but that's probably a remix. At the time VOTOMS was produced in 1983, most TV anime series were in mono. I would definitely recommend the series.... it's essential viewing for any mecha fan.

"What did catch my eye, however, was a podcast named Gundamn!. At first I thought it was a podcast about firearms and [rednecks] discussing their collection, but after looking at the episode titles I was sold." - Xhavalor

I turned on my tv this morning and to my surprise Votoms has started airing on On Demand. The first 7 or 8 episodes are available thus far. I watched the first one and part of the second and I have to say I'm impressed so far. The main character reminds me very much of John Rambo. Being isolated from his team and the whole "you're expendable" thing going on. Not to mention his drive to break free and stay alive. Animation is actually not too bad. I actually like the "old school" sketchy look to these older shows. It seems a bit better than the original Gundam series but not up to Zeta's standards. The music is dated but I love it.

What about the whole religion thing? I thought I read somewhere about the series being a bit controversial because of the subject of religion. Can anyone shed some light on this? I'm still debating whether I should pick up the series to add to my collection.

Gundamium Alloy wrote:What about the whole religion thing? I thought I read somewhere about the series being a bit controversial because of the subject of religion. Can anyone shed some light on this? I'm still debating whether I should pick up the series to add to my collection.

I won't get into the whole religion thing because that would be spoilers, even though it's not prominently discussed until the last arc. Anyway, If you've seen some of the show yourself now and are impressed, there's no need to debate whether or not to get it.

"What did catch my eye, however, was a podcast named Gundamn!. At first I thought it was a podcast about firearms and [rednecks] discussing their collection, but after looking at the episode titles I was sold." - Xhavalor

The CPM boxed set release is beautiful. It's not every day your DVDs come in a metal ammo case! = D Plenty of extras, too, and the included booklet is a great read.

Votoms is a total classic, and it's definitely a must-have for all us die-hard mecha enthusiasts (chances are if you're a member of this forum and you're reading this topic, the box set is worth your money ^_^). However, I've got to say that its touted realism can be a bit two-faced at times. Even though the style and design of the show are consistently gritty and low-tech, the story itself gets pretty outlandish, and it's anything but a realistic portrayal of war. I don't want to discuss any huge spoilers in a general topic like this, but anyone who's seen the whole series knows exactly what I'm talking about.

I have to admit that Mobile Suit Gundam still portrays a much more believable view of soldiers in a time of war, despite its flashier designs and storytelling leaps of faith. Votoms' strength lies in its moral ambiguity and innovative atmosphere, but considering how much it improved on the "look" of Gundam, I was surprised by how much of a step backwards it took in terms of the realism of its characters and the political organizations in the show.

Anyway, I'm curious to hear what other fans of the show have to say about it.

I have now seen Votoms through episode 30. Just started the 3rd arc which seems to be set in space again. I enjoy the change in setting with each arc. This show has been amazing. It has been getting better with each episode. Great mechs and story. Looking forward to the rest of the series even if the 4th arc is the weakest which I've heard some say.

Gundamium Alloy wrote:I have now seen Votoms through episode 30. Just started the 3rd arc which seems to be set in space again. I enjoy the change in setting with each arc. This show has been amazing. It has been getting better with each episode. Great mechs and story. Looking forward to the rest of the series even if the 4th arc is the weakest which I've heard some say.

Thanks to the podcast for recommending this one!

I can't say I've ever heard anyone say the Quent arc is the weakest one in the show. What I've seen most commonly (and what I feel myself) is that Uoodo is the weakest arc. Anyway, glad you enjoy the show based on Gundamn's recommendation.

"What did catch my eye, however, was a podcast named Gundamn!. At first I thought it was a podcast about firearms and [rednecks] discussing their collection, but after looking at the episode titles I was sold." - Xhavalor

I have just about finished Votoms and can say it is a pretty good show...I love the old school animation. Good story. Recommended. Something about the animation though...I do seem to prefer the style over the newer stuff. I like the traditional sketchy feel of the drawings without the help of computers I guess.

I tried to locate the series, but I'm confused about what constitutes the "first" part of the story (which DVD) and what is the "chronological" first part of the story. Is the "Uoodo City" DVD the "first" DVD to watch, or...? On Amazon I can't seem to find new copies that aren't sold through third parties, which isn't bad but makes me worry about getting a Hong Kong-style pirated version (as I have in the past, inadvertently, with 0083 and Cowboy Bebop).

Also, on a side note, Netflix carries the subsequent DVDs, but not Uoodo City...

SOCL

"You can be a Captain or a nobody--when your luck runs out, you die. That's how war is." -Bernie, 0080

SOCL wrote:I tried to locate the series, but I'm confused about what constitutes the "first" part of the story (which DVD) and what is the "chronological" first part of the story. Is the "Uoodo City" DVD the "first" DVD to watch, or...? On Amazon I can't seem to find new copies that aren't sold through third parties, which isn't bad but makes me worry about getting a Hong Kong-style pirated version (as I have in the past, inadvertently, with 0083 and Cowboy Bebop).

Also, on a side note, Netflix carries the subsequent DVDs, but not Uoodo City...

You'll find the chronological list earlier in this thread, but "Uoodo City" is the first part of the original TV series and probably the best place to start.

SOCL wrote:I tried to locate the series, but I'm confused about what constitutes the "first" part of the story (which DVD) and what is the "chronological" first part of the story. Is the "Uoodo City" DVD the "first" DVD to watch, or...? On Amazon I can't seem to find new copies that aren't sold through third parties, which isn't bad but makes me worry about getting a Hong Kong-style pirated version (as I have in the past, inadvertently, with 0083 and Cowboy Bebop).

Also, on a side note, Netflix carries the subsequent DVDs, but not Uoodo City...

You'll find the chronological list earlier in this thread, but "Uoodo City" is the first part of the original TV series and probably the best place to start.

Lately, I've been bad at finding the information I need.

Can anybody suggest a retailer where to purchase the series? Are the third-party sellers on Amazon generally trustworthy or am I at risk of getting ripped-off with a pirated DVD?

SOCL

"You can be a Captain or a nobody--when your luck runs out, you die. That's how war is." -Bernie, 0080

I must say that I've been getting into this too. While the mech designs aren't as flashy or showy as you would normally see today, they are impressive and, may I say it, realistic. No matter how much a chicken walker "makes more sense" to some others. They all seem to be appropriate sizes for weapons of war, and they're not "hey I'm over here" white.

Gritty, violent and an engaging story. I'm watching Pailsen Files and noticing the Youtubers complaining about the 3D animation. Seriously, the 3D models make it even better to watch.

Downside is that I can't find any of the other series, though. So I feel more or less lacking.